Flute-Finger Connector for Stable Instrument Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The instability of the flute during play due to the need for substantial pressure on the player's lower lip and fingers, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and potential distortion of the mouth and teeth in children, limits the ability to play wind instruments like the flute effectively and safely.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a flute-finger connector and thumb stabilizer into the flute design, allowing for stable operation without pressure on the lower lip or fingers, enhancing the flute's stability and facilitating flexible finger movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If substantial pressure is applied by the flute mouthpiece against the player's lower lip to stabilize the flute, then the flute stability is improved, but the player experiences discomfort, fatigue, and potential distortion of the mouth and teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the stabilization function into two independent components: a ring connector on the flute body and a finger retainer on the player's finger. This segmentation eliminates the need for substantial pressure on the lower lip while maintaining flute stability through mechanical connection between the flute and player's hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring connector and finger retainer act as intermediary mechanical elements that transfer and distribute the stabilizing force from the player's finger to the flute body, replacing the direct pressure mechanism on the lower lip with an indirect mechanical linkage that reduces harmful pressure points.
2Productivity
If the player rapidly shifts fingerings between all keys of the flute, then the musical performance capability is improved, but the flute stability is imperiled
Solution Approach 1:
The ring connector and finger retainer establish a preliminary mechanical connection that pre-stabilizes the flute in the player's hand. This preliminary stabilization structure remains in place during rapid fingering changes, providing a stable base that allows quick key transitions without compromising overall flute stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If extant hand-positioning techniques such as Rockstro hand position are used to stabilize the flute, then the flute rolling is reduced, but the player experiences awkward positioning, fatigue, and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The ring connector and finger retainer create a self-stabilizing mechanical system that does not rely on the player's muscular effort to maintain awkward hand positions. The device itself provides the stabilizing function, allowing the player's hand to remain in a more natural and comfortable position while still preventing flute rolling.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to new designs of tubular body flutes both to facilitate more natural and more consistent placement and orientation of the flute player's hands and to enhance the flexibility of the player's lips so as to more perfectly play the flute by greatly increasing the stability of the flute in the player's hands by firmly connecting the flute to the player's finger (and/or thumb) by provision of a finger connecting part through which the flute player's left index finger is inserted, as like wearing a ring. It firmly fixes the flute to the player's left index finger (and/or thumb) so that the flute is stabilized without pressure on the player's mouth. Thus, it enhances the flexibility of the player's lips to more perfectly form the airstream sounding the flute while also more exactly and repeatedly locating the player's fingers on the flute by preventing inadvertent rotation of the flute. This is especially beneficial for the player's lower lip, which, under extant art, is forcibly pinned against the lower teeth and gums so as to stabilize the flute. This benefit is achieved by completely stabilizing the flute in the player's hands by firmly connecting the flute to the player's finger (and/or thumb) with a finger connecting means incorporating an opening in the invention through which the flute player's left index finger (and/or thumb) is inserted, as like wearing a ring.In the preferred embodiment the finger connecting means is a ring-like structure built onto the flute and for economy this additional device is hereafter referred to as a ring. The use of a ring provides a firm connection between the player's fingers and the flute permitting the left index finger and right thumb to completely stabilize the instrument with no pressure on the player's lips whatsoever, while completely preventing inadvertent rotation of the flute.A very substantial benefit of the instant invention over extant art is that it allows the flute to be safely played by growing children without disrupting the proper development of their gums and teeth. Many parents permit their children to start their music education only with a piano or a violin because wind instruments have a tendency to put severe stress and strain on the mouth, teeth and gums, which can distort their development. Because the instant invention permits, even encourages, the best use of the flute without strong, or even any, pressure on the teeth and gums, a flute so equipped can be used even by young children without orthodontial concerns.